*This is an ongoing situation and portions of these FAQs will be updated as circumstances change. All new information will appear in red.

District information

How long will SRJC be operating remotely?

Instruction and student services will continue to be delivered primarily using modified or remote methods through the end of the fall 2020 semester, and possibly beyond.

SRJC will continue to follow the county’s direction when determining when additional non-instructional employees may be allowed to return to campus. We will continue to monitor the changing health orders from the state and county and work with our unions on the development of protocols for reopening. For the time being, employees are expected to continue to work remotely unless they have prior approval from their supervisor to do otherwise.

Are events being canceled?

SRJC will not be holding any mass gatherings on campus through the end of the fall 2020 semester.

Alternative plans for Commencement

On Saturday, May 23, 9:00 a.m. SRJC live streamed a virtual graduation video, which is still available to view at live.santarosa.edu.

All 2020 graduates will also be invited to walk during the 2021 Commencement ceremony, as long as SRJC has reopened for large events by that time.

June 4 - Petaluma Building Community Breakfast (postponed to Fall, date TBD)

June 27 - Football Fundraiser (canceled)

Will there be emergency funding available to students who need it to continue with their education?

As a result of the federal CARES Act, I am happy to announce that SRJC will receive nearly $3 million to be provided directly as emergency aid to students. These funds are intended to help cover expenses for students in need, including things like course materials, technology, housing, food, health care and childcare.

In consultation with the Student Government Assembly (SGA), we developed the following minimum criteria for distribution of these funds.

In order to receive a $500 emergency grant, eligible students must:

Have expenses related to the coronavirus crisis

Be currently enrolled in a minimum of three units or non-credit courses for the spring 2020 semester.

Unfortunately, federal restrictions limit which students are eligible to receive CARES funds and will require students to submit a financial aid application. It is our goal to provide emergency grants to as many students as possible regardless of their status. By utilizing the federal funds as well as the SRJC Foundation Crisis Response Fund, we have established two different emergency grant applications that will provide support to as many students as possible.

Classified employees who require access to systems not available to them remotely to perform critical duties, with supervisor and vice president approval.

Information regarding faculty’s ability to utilize on-campus spaces is available in the faculty FAQs.

All employees who are on campus are asked to practice social distancing, wash hands and use supplies provided by the district to clean surfaces frequently.

In the event that we have a confirmed case of coronavirus at an SRJC campus or site, we will reassess all of these protocols and permission levels and will inform the community as of any resulting changes.

We ask that all other employees of the district avoid coming to campus during the “shelter in place” order.

We understand that some faculty members and staff may need to come to a District site to pick up materials or equipment. We ask that you plan ahead and limit time in the office as much as possible.

Are employees required to wear facial coverings if on campus?

In order to comply with the April 13 order from the Sonoma County Health Officer, any employee who has been allowed on campus during the “shelter in place” order is required to wear a facial covering when i.) indoors or ii.) outdoors AND unable to maintain a six-foot distance from others.

The order clarifies that facial coverings can be any cloth or fabric that covers the mouth and nose, including scarves, t-shirt materials or other fabrics. While such masks have not been shown to prevent catching the virus, they may help slow its spread from an infected person to others.

If you do not have a mask, cannot make one or are approved to come to campus and would prefer to receive one from SRJC, please contact Manager, Environmental Health & Safety Robin McHale at rmchale@santarosa.edu.

Why are there a large number of cars in Bech and Bech Annex lots?

During the “shelter in place order,” SRJC has contracted with Enterprise Rent-a-Car to rent the Bech and Bech Annex lots to park their unutilized fleet vehicles. Both lots will be vacated before we resume face-to-face operations.

Are there any changes to vacation, PTO and other leave time that employees should be aware of?

Because many employees were unable to use their current PTO (paid time off) due to the current situation, the District and SEIU have mutually agreed to extend the use of any remaining PTO that was set to expire June 30, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

Voluntary unpaid time off (VTO) will no longer be offered as of July 1, 2020.

Are STNCs allowed to continue to work?

Yes, but only if they can do so remotely. Beginning May 24, the district will continue to pay STNCs with current contracts for the hours they work.

What work will not be happening while Californians are sheltering in place?

During this time, all efforts will be focused on providing modified methods of instruction for students, providing Student Services remotely, and providing support services for students and employees working remotely. For this reason, we are consulting with Academic Senate, Classified Senate, SGA and our unions regarding canceling all non-essential shared governance committee and council meetings.

There may be exceptions for critical work provided any such meetings can be conducted remotely.

Classified employees can also review the telecommuting FAQs, which were created in collaboration with SEIU.

More information regarding how to access Finance and Administrative operational services remotely can be found at this link.

Coronavirus information

What should I do if I believe I may have come into direct contact with coronavirus?

In order to protect our community, we have been advised that employees in this situation should self-quarantine until they have been cleared by their primary care physician or the Sonoma County Department of Health Services. We also require that they stay away from campus until they have been cleared.

Please alert Human Resources at 707-527-4954. HR will work with employees to conduct an initial intake process. You may also report any Coronavirus illness or travel-related inquiries directly to the following individuals in the Human Resources department:

c. SRJC will alert the Sonoma County Department of Health Services regarding these cases.

d. Employees who have been advised to self-quarantine and have been prohibited from coming to campus will not be required to use sick leave and will continue to receive compensation as normal.

What if I show symptoms of respiratory infection but don’t suspect any contact with coronavirus:

In order to protect our community, we require that you stay away from campus until you have been free of a fever for 24 hours. Right now we have to work together to keep our community safe and staying home when you are sick is one way to do that. If you are sick, but feel that you have work that must be done on campus, please contact your supervisor to find a remote alternative.

You are encouraged to contact your primary care physician if you need medical advice.

If you must be in an area with other people, maintaining six feet of personal space between individuals

What are SRJC’s recommendations regarding travel, including international and domestic?

SRJC has canceled district-paid travel until further notice. Any employee who has district travel scheduled should contact their vice president to discuss the process for cancelation. No new travel requests are being approved at this time.

We advise employees doing personal travel to follow the CDC travel guidelines and to avoid travel to any area with a high incidence of coronavirus cases and any country at a CDC level 3 alert or higher.

Employees who have traveled outside of Sonoma Countyare asked to remain away from campus for 14 days after they return. We also ask that you report this travel to HR prior to coming on campus to any district location. (See above for more details.)

Situations like this can create anxiety for many. Individuals who feel they may benefit from additional counseling may contact the following resource:

Employees who feel they may benefit from additional support can contact Employee Assistance Plan. This service is now also available for students. Please use company code ‘EAP can help’